St. Louis Blues: David Perron's Return Will Provide Boost for Blues

Not only are the St. Louis Blues 4-0-2 under new coach Ken Hitchcock, but winger David Perron also continues to progress and could lace up in the near future.

The 23-year-old sniper has missed the last 90 games dating back to November 4, 2010, when Perron suffered a major concussion after being blind-sided by San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton. Thornton was suspended two games and lost over $77,000 in salary. Over a year later, Blues fans have yet to see Perron back on the ice.

However, the Canadian youngster took a huge step Friday.

After being given clearance for full participation by doctors, Perron threw off the red no-contact jersey and took a big stride towards a long-awaited return. There is no timetable in place, yet he could return as soon as his conditioning is on par with the rest of the club.

Perron will provide a huge boost for the St. Louis Blues when he puts on the No. 57 sweater.

After being drafted 26th overall by St. Louis in 2007, Perron is often referred to as the most promising player on this young squad. In 235 games, the Blues forward has 53 goals and 131 points.

Perron was off to a racing start in 2010 before the concussion, netting five goals and seven points in his 10 games.

Hopefully, the Canadian can pick up where he left off over a year ago.

Since hiring Ken Hitchcock, the Blues have played aggressively and moved quickly down the ice to put the puck on-net. Perron, known for his speed and quick wrist shot, should fit into the new Hitchcock system quite well.

It is likely that Perron could join a line with T.J. Oshie or David Backes. The combination of Oshie and Perron was an exciting one before the setback and would certainly continue to be once Perron sees playing time.

He should return December 6 at the latest, barring any setbacks such as returning post-concussion symptoms. Perron's reappearance would then spell trouble for the rival Detroit Red Wings.

The Blues are currently one point behind Detroit in the standings with 22 and are tied for ninth in the West with Edmonton.

Steven Conklin is a contributing writer for the Bleacher Report and a student at the University of Central Missouri. He joined B/R in October 2011. Any comments, questions or suggestions are more than welcome.